History and location
Far from the centre of Hanoi Capital about 90 km to the South, Van Long Natural Reserve is the largest wetland on the Sorthern Vietnam. This area is formed until 1960 that local people built a huge dyke on Day River to prevent dangerous flood in storm season. In 2001, Van Long Natural Reserve was officially established to serve for preserved purpose and tourism.
An overview of Van Long National Reserve
Ecosystem
In the lush forest of Van Long Natural Reserves, the chains of fauna and flora developed prosperously with a diversity of species and its volume. With a large area of 300 hectors, this place is home to nearly 500 species of plants, composing of 8 rare kinds of plants listed in Vietnam Red Book. Besides, the natural reserve is also an ideal settlement for primates, reptiles and insects, which contribute to the diversity of indigenous biodiversity. Especially, Van Long Natural Reserve appeals visitors by the beauty of birds. In every dry season, this place attracts many migratory birds for avoiding winter from the South such as white stork, herons, pheasants…
A corner of Van Long Lagoon
White storks at Van Long National Reserve
Landscapes
Hiring a boat for enjoying the landscape of Van Long Natural Reserve, you can feel the magnificent picture of Mother Nature, where sky, water surface and mountains is combined perfectly. Majestic limestone mountains create a consistent natural wall in the surroundings of the reserve. Pure water stream is extremely quiet, gently sneaking through limestone mountains. Local people often name each mountain after its typical shapes. All of that elements drew a lively scenery about a peacefully rural area that everyone scarcely meet in bustling pace of daily life at the present time.
Besides, Long Van Natural Reserve owns 32 glorious caves with distinct characteristics such as Chanh Cave, Turtle Cave, Bong Cave… In particular, Ca Cave (Fish Cave) is considered as the most beautiful cave in the complex of Long Van’s cave. Fish Cave is measured with 250m in length, 8m in height and 10m in width. The special thing is that the cave has a half on the water surface and the other part is sunk into water. There are dozens of stalactites are hung on the cave’s ceiling, which reflects flickering light into the space. Local people say that there are many species of fish.
Regional structure
Along with enjoying attractive landscapes at Van Long National Reserve, visitors also have an opportunity to discover Vietnamese cultural structures, which bear the sophisticated influence of Buddhist style such as Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, Tap Ninh Pagoda, Thanh Son Tu situated on the mountain’s slope.
Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is an important structure of history, which worships a famous emperor under the period of feudalism. Built in 17th century, the structure expresses the talent of Vietnamese craftsmen at that time. Among the lush space of old trees and fruit trees, Dinh Tien Hoang temple appears with the contemplation and tranquility. This place showcases the gratitude of Vietnamese with a great emperor, who brings the peace for their nation.
Đinh Tien Hoang Temple
After a tired trip in Van Long National Reserve, visitors can experience the daily life of local people: staying at traditional houses, do their common works and enjoy native foods of Ninh Binh province.
